Diane Marie O'Dell

Diane Marie O’Dell was born on June 20, 1956. She died unexpectedly yet peacefully on June 1, 2026, just 19 days short of her 70th birthday. Her parents were Robert Lyle O’Dell or "Slim" and Betty Jean O’Dell (Stone). Diane lived a joyful life filled with kindness, laughter, and unwavering love for those around her. She had no enemies whatsoever. She grew up in the Omaha/Elkhorn area and participated in the Field Club Special Education Program, graduating in 1975. During her childhood she enjoyed coloring, swimming, and playing guitar. She faithfully watched her favorite TV shows like Dark Shadows, Star Trek, and Hawaii Five-0, among others. She would be glued to the TV when her favorite movies The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, and The Ten Commandments aired each year. Later on, Diane worked in the kitchen at Western Electric/Lucent for 21 years and officially retired in the year of 2000. She enjoyed her job and was happy to go to work each day. Diane had a deep love for music, and loved to dance, dance, dance. Her favorite performers ranged from Michael Jackson and Elvis, to Kenny Rogers. It was hard to get her off the dance floor at wedding receptions and other family events. She would even share the stage on multiple occasions with her brother Bob, performing a duet of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction. Diane, like her father and brothers, was an athlete. She participated in the Special Olympics, winning many medals and ribbons, then later became a passionate bowler. There was a time where you couldn’t have a conversation with Diane without her bringing up bowling. Diane enjoyed going out to dinner with Mom, Dad, and close friends like Howard and Judy Christiansen, where jokes and laughter were abundant each time. Farmer Browns was her favorite local place to eat and she would never turn down a Subway sandwich. She enjoyed her many trips to the horse races with dad and Howard, as well as vacationing in Florida and seeing Disney World. Diane looked forward to the yearly family BBQs in Honey Creek Iowa, and had a love for many foods, especially soda pop. Diane was the most kind-hearted, innocent, and loving person anyone could know. She never complained about anything. Recently, Diane’s common catch phrase to everyone was to, “Take your time, no problem, have fun.” Diane's life was a beautiful reminder that happiness can be found in simple things, that kindness costs nothing, and that love should be shared freely. Her gentle spirit, infectious smile, and unconditional love for others will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Diane was preceded in death by sister, Pamela Jean O’Dell, and father, Robert Lyle O’Dell (Slim). She is survived by her mother, Betty Jean O’Dell (Stone); brothers, Robert (Bob) O’Dell, Bill and Sharlyne O’Dell, John and Marcia O’Dell, Donny and Lisa O’Dell, Rod and Shelly O’Dell, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, too numerous to list. A visitation will be held from 4-6 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha. Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church.

Diane Marie O'Dell

June 20, 1956 - June 1, 2026